Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) had high praise for NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo who on Tuesday introduced the Parental Choice in Education Act, which will support and protect alternative school options for parents and students across New York State.

The Act provides for $150 million in education tax credits annually that will provide tax credits to low-income families who send their children to nonpublic schools, as well as scholarships to low- and middle-income families whose children attend a nonpublic school. A $70 million portion of the Act will provide credits to families of nonpublic school students. Families with annual incomes below an established threshold would qualify for up to $500 per student for tuition expenses to nonpublic and out-of-district public schools. In addition, $50 million is provided in credits to support scholarships for low-income and other students in grades P-12 who attend nonpublic schools.

“This is the type of legislation we will all benefit from,” said Hikind, who has never given up the fight for Education Investment Tax Credits (EITC). “In addition to tax credits for those parents who deserve them, the Governor’s legislation will make it possible our families to obtain scholarships for their children.

“Until now, a significant section of New York’s population has been unfairly excluded from our State’s education equation. Governor Cuomo understands that New York State owes these parents some relief. I applaud his leadership on this vital issue and will continue working with Assembly Speaker Heastie and the entire Democratic conference to make certain this relief materializes.

“When EITC was excluded from the budget, many people gave up hope,” Hikind added. “You never get anywhere by giving up. A lot happens during the final weeks of a legislative session. I am hopeful that this relief for our families who opt for private school will happen during this legislative session. Regardless, we will fight for this until it gets done.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)